Grid Modernization grants — page 3
215 listings tracked right now · page 3 of 5
Funding for transmission, distribution, smart-grid and interconnection upgrades that let more clean power onto the system. The active cheques come from the US DOE Grid Deployment Office, the EU Connecting Europe Facility, UK Ofgem and network-operator innovation funds, and the multilateral development banks. Listed below are the open grid modernization grant calls in that landscape, taken from each funder's own notice and re-checked on every refresh.
Energy grants divide into two families that rarely share a form. Deployment pots such as the EU Innovation Fund, the US Department of Energy and the UK Net Zero Innovation Portfolio back kit that already works, usually at 30 to 50 per cent intervention rates against matched private capital. Earlier research calls, Horizon Europe and ARPA-E and Innovate UK among them, fund lower technology readiness at far smaller cheques. Applying to the wrong family is the most common reason a strong project scores badly.
This page lists open grid modernization grants currently tracked by Raise Lens — 215 of them right now, sorted with the soonest deadline first. Every listing has been classified against the sustainability taxonomy rather than matched on keywords, so what appears here is grid modernization work rather than anything whose description happens to mention it.
The funders publishing grid modernization grants here include Maryland Innovation Energy Accelerator, Quantum Innovation Fund, Energy Transition Ventures, among 2 others. Who is funding matters as much as what: eligibility, reporting burden and the realistic timeline to a decision vary far more between funders than between individual calls.
Geographic coverage on this page spans GLOBAL, EUROPE, AFRICA, NORTH-AMERICA, GLOBAL-SOUTH. Eligibility is usually tied to where the work happens or where the applying organisation is registered, and the two are not always the same — worth checking before investing time in an application.
Phase 3: Later accelerator phase for energy and climate tech startups; details on funding size and scope not fully disclosed
••••• organisation
A later-stage accelerator programme for energy and climate technology startups, providing capital and support to help companies scale. The grant targets startups beyond the seed phase who are developing solutions in renewable energy, energy storage, grid modernization, and related climate tech sectors.
A US Sustainability Technology Fund
••••• Fund
The funder invests $10M–$100M+ in early and growth-stage technology companies in climate, sustainability, and decarbonization sectors, with a focus on software and data analytics businesses capturing IP in high-growth markets. Eligible sectors span carbon, clean energy, electric mobility, smart grids, energy efficiency, water, agriculture, cybersecurity, AI, and blockchain.
Early-Stage Energy-Transition Investment Fund
••••• organisation
The funder Fund invests in early-stage startups developing technologies and solutions across distributed energy, electrification, mobility, storage, and enabling technologies like AI/IoT. The fund targets seed to Series A companies working on solar, wind, smart grids, EVs, carbon capture, and related energy-transition innovations.
Grants for cost-effective greenhouse gas emissions reduction at speed and scale
••••• Foundation
This grant funds cost-effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at scale, with a focus on electric grid transmission and low-carbon energy initiatives. It targets organizations developing scalable, economically viable climate mitigation technologies and infrastructure.
Future Grid Network
••••• organisation
Initiative connecting startups and stakeholders to develop next-generation grid modernization and energy infrastructure solutions. Funds early-stage companies working on grid technology innovation.
Grid-Connected: Utility-Scale Clean Energy Investment across the U.S.
••••• organisation
Hannon Armstrong invests in utility-scale clean energy infrastructure projects across the U.S., including solar farms, wind parks, and grid-scale battery storage. The fund targets mature, operational or near-operational projects seeking growth and project financing.
Reliable Energy
••••• organisation
The funder invests in mid-market infrastructure assets in reliable energy, including mini-hydro portfolios and battery storage platforms that support the energy transition in Western Europe. The fund targets operational and growth-stage renewable energy and storage infrastructure projects.
Green Mini-Grids Programme
••••• Fund
This grant accelerates electricity access to underserved populations through clean energy mini-grid deployment and market development. It targets countries in Africa seeking to build enabling investment environments for renewable energy infrastructure.
Green Baseload Programme
••••• Fund
This grant supports projects that increase renewable energy penetration in African power systems while ensuring grid stability and replacing fossil-fuel baseload generation. It targets organizations developing renewable baseload alternatives and power system solutions across Africa.
Climate Solutions
••••• organisation
Early-stage equity investment fund backing climate-tech startups across sustainable resource use, grid modernization, circular economy, electrification, regenerative agriculture, and alternative proteins. Targets pre-revenue and growth-stage companies solving climate change through technology and business model innovation.
GREC II – Sustainable Infrastructure Strategy
••••• organisation
GREC II is a sustainable infrastructure investment fund deploying capital into clean energy real assets (solar, wind, energy storage) across the energy transition landscape. It targets both individual and institutional investors seeking to deploy capital into operational and development-stage clean energy projects.
PERSEO Start-up Programme
••••• organisation
The funder' PERSEO programme provides corporate venture funding for early-stage companies developing clean energy technologies, including renewables, energy storage, smart grids, and electrification solutions. The programme targets startups aligned with Iberdrola's strategic energy transition and digital transformation priorities.
A major European industrial company's venture capital arm investing in climate tech, sustainability, and energy management
••••• organisation
The funder is the corporate venture capital arm of Schneider Electric, investing in growth-stage startups developing climate tech, sustainability, energy management, and industrial automation solutions. The fund provides both financial capital and commercial acceleration through Schneider Electric's global network.
a US utility company's venture arm growth-driven investment strategy
••••• organisation
The funder provides equity capital and strategic support to early-stage companies developing cleaner energy solutions, renewable resources, utility cybersecurity, and energy management technologies. The fund targets startups and growth-stage companies operating within the energy ecosystem.
Project Finance Fund
••••• organisation
The funder provides equity and quasi-equity investment in infrastructure projects across African countries, with a focus on energy, ICT, and transport sectors. The fund targets strategic public and private sector partners seeking growth-stage capital for large-scale infrastructure deployment.
Clean Energy Platform Development
••••• organisation
The funder funds early-stage entrepreneurs and developers building clean energy transition platforms, providing capital, strategic support, and operational capabilities to scale renewable energy assets. The programme targets platforms managing over 1GW of clean energy assets and uses a blended Capital + Culture + Capabilities model.
A US Asset Manager's Climate Infrastructure Fund
••••• organisation
The funder invests in infrastructure-scale businesses and assets across the clean energy and climate technology sectors, targeting value-add growth and scaling opportunities. The fund is suited for established or maturing climate infrastructure companies and projects seeking growth equity or project financing.
Global Energy Transformation Fund
••••• organisation
GETF is an investment fund focused on deploying capital into energy transformation and decarbonisation infrastructure projects globally. It targets infrastructure-scale interventions in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and related decarbonisation technologies.
Energy Transition Infrastructure
••••• organisation
This grant funds long-term capital expenditure in energy transition infrastructure platforms, targeting policy-driven transformation in renewable and clean energy sectors. It combines capital preservation with growth-oriented value creation for organizations building scalable energy infrastructure.
Core Fund
••••• organisation
SFV Core Fund provides seed to Series B equity investments in infrastructure technology companies focused on energy transition, AI compute, and national security across Europe and North America. The fund backs founders building category-defining solutions at the intersection of urban infrastructure, energy, and industrial technology.
Flagship Fund
••••• organisation
EIP Flagship Fund is a growth-stage venture capital fund investing in innovative energy and climate technology companies, with focus on energy storage, grid modernization, cybersecurity, and clean energy. The fund partners with major utilities and corporates to scale technologies that transform the global energy sector.
Energy Transition
••••• organisation
The funder invests in early-stage technology companies advancing the energy transition through cleaner generation, storage, and infrastructure. The fund targets companies at the earliest stages of formation in the clean energy and energy storage sectors.
Pro-Nuclear Investment Network
••••• organisation
Nucleation Syndicate is an invitation-only network of pro-nuclear and climate investors who review and individually elect to participate in select equity deal opportunities in advanced nuclear, carbon capture, and grid enhancement. There is no cost to join and no obligation to invest.
Advanced Energy Venture Fund II
••••• organisation
Nucleation Fund II is a $250M+ venture capital fund investing in innovative companies advancing nuclear energy and climate solutions. It targets institutional investors committing $5M or more to portfolio companies in advanced nuclear, carbon capture, and grid enhancement.
Early-Stage Nuclear and Decarbonization Venture Fund
••••• organisation
Nucleation Fund I is an evergreen venture fund investing up to $3 million per investor in next-generation nuclear and carbon innovation ventures. It targets accredited and high net worth investors seeking exposure to advanced nuclear energy and carbon removal/capture technologies.
a Climate and Impact Fund
••••• organisation
Camco Climate and Impact Fund is a specialist investment fund that deploys capital into clean energy and sustainable infrastructure projects across emerging markets, with explicit focus on job creation, electricity access, and CO2 reduction. The fund targets energy transition opportunities in the Global South, prioritizing renewable energy and infrastructure that deliver measurable climate and development impact.
a Swiss industrial-engineering corporate venture fund
••••• organisation
The funder is a corporate venture capital fund investing in breakthrough industrial technology startups across robotics, IoT, AI, energy transition, and related sectors. The fund makes 6-8 new investments annually with typical equity stakes of 5-20%, targeting companies that advance industrial decarbonization and digital transformation.
A Swiss Industrial Technology Company's Venture Fund
••••• organisation
The funder invests in early-stage startups developing smart, sustainable energy solutions across industrial electrification, e-mobility, smart cities, and power distribution. The fund targets companies aligned with ABB's energy-transition strategy and industrial decarbonization goals.
Energy: Seed-stage program stream for science- and technology-based energy companies seeking to scale massively
••••• organisation
This is a seed-stage accelerator program for science and technology-based energy companies aiming for rapid scaling, offered by the funder. It targets early-stage founders and teams developing innovative energy solutions.
Energy Starter: global innovation programme designed to accelerate adoption of technologies driving the energy transition
••••• organisation
EDP's Energy Starter is a global innovation acceleration programme focused on emerging grid-related technologies that support the energy transition, particularly in its 10th edition's 'Future Grids' track. The programme targets technology developers and innovators seeking to scale solutions that modernize electricity grids and enable renewable energy adoption.
Climate Goals: Supports the advancement of ambitious climate goals that accelerate Asia's just energy transition
••••• Foundation
This grant supports organizations advancing ambitious climate goals that accelerate a just energy transition across Asia. It funds climate policy and energy transition initiatives in the Asian region.
US Accelerator Programme for Early-Stage EnergyTech Startups
••••• organisation
Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator provides $220K in equity investment plus mentorship to early-stage energy technology startups. The program targets founders building solutions in renewable energy, energy storage, grid modernization, and related cleantech sectors.
Renewable Energy Integration (REI)
••••• Bank
This World Bank Climate Investment Funds grant supports developing countries in integrating higher shares of variable renewable energy into their power systems. It targets national governments and energy utilities seeking to modernize grids and increase renewable energy penetration.
Energy Programme
••••• organisation
The funder's Energy Programme is a domain-focused investment initiative supporting energy-transition startups from pre-seed through Series B, partnering with organizations like Ørsted Propel and New Energy Challenge. The programme targets founders building solutions across the energy transition landscape.
Network Fund (Seed Fund)
••••• organisation
A quarterly subscription micro-fund that deploys $25K checks into 50-60 early-stage climate tech startups annually across energy, infrastructure, and resilience sectors. Open to accredited investors committing $5,000/quarter minimum, with priority access to follow-on investment vehicles.
Connecting Europe Facility – Transport (CEF-Transport)
••••• Ministry
EU-level funding facility supporting digitalisation and modernisation of transport infrastructure, particularly rail networks, as part of the Connecting Europe Facility approved for Austria. Eligible applicants can seek funding to upgrade transport systems with digital and modern infrastructure solutions.
Fossil-Free Energy
••••• Foundation
This grant supports organisations working to accelerate Europe's transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy systems. It targets a broad range of actors driving decarbonisation and energy system transformation across the continent.
ESG Next Generation Infrastructure Fund
••••• organisation
DWS Invest ESG Next Generation Infrastructure is an investment fund targeting long-term capital appreciation in Euros by deploying capital into next-generation infrastructure assets with explicit ESG (environmental, social, governance) criteria. The fund is designed for investors seeking sustained returns through infrastructure that aligns with environmental and sustainability standards.
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Energy
••••• Agency
CEF Energy funds cross-border energy infrastructure projects that integrate EU energy markets and advance decarbonisation and energy security. Eligible applicants include public authorities, utilities, and consortia developing interconnection and renewable energy infrastructure across EU member states.
Urban renewable energy initiative targeting city-scale clean energy solutions
••••• organisation
This grant funds city-scale clean energy solutions with a focus on urban renewable energy deployment and integration. It targets municipalities, energy companies, and urban development organizations seeking to transition cities to renewable power sources.
Funding Window 2 - Green Mini Grid Companies
••••• organisation
This grant provides financing and technical assistance to green mini grid companies operating in Sub-Saharan Africa to expand energy access through distributed renewable energy systems. It targets early-stage and growth-stage companies in the clean energy subsector with combined capital and capacity-building support.
Energy & Clean Tech Program
••••• organisation
This is an incubation program supporting early-stage deep tech startups commercializing breakthrough energy and clean technology innovations. It is designed for founders and teams developing novel solutions in the energy transition and cleantech sectors.
A Sustainable Energy Investment Fund
••••• organisation
The funder's Main Fund invests in early-to-growth stage companies building next-generation sustainable energy providers to transform the utility sector. The fund targets renewable energy and clean energy infrastructure businesses, though specific investment stages and sectors beyond energy are not publicly disclosed.
Clean Energy Innovation
••••• organisation
This grant supports early-stage and growth-stage climate technology companies developing innovative clean energy solutions. It is designed for startups and scale-ups working on breakthrough technologies in the clean energy and climate tech space.
Powering Australia Technology Fund
••••• organisation
This grant supports emerging clean energy technologies and climate tech innovation to accelerate Australia's net-zero transition. It is open to companies and organizations developing and deploying clean energy and climate technology solutions.
Rewiring the Nation Fund
••••• organisation
This grant funds large-scale transmission and grid infrastructure projects that enable renewable energy connectivity and modernise Australia's electricity grid to support the energy transition. It targets infrastructure developers, utilities, and consortia capable of delivering major grid and transmission works.
AI for Power Challenge
••••• organisation
This challenge track funds AI-driven startups developing artificial intelligence applications for the power sector, connecting them with utility partners for paid demonstrations and deployment. It targets early-stage AI companies seeking to solve grid modernization and energy management problems through technology partnerships.
Energy Technology Accelerator Challenge
••••• organisation
A 16-week accelerator programme enabling energy utilities to run paid technology demonstrations with early-stage startups developing grid, AI, robotics, and decarbonization solutions. Participants gain access to utility partners, EPRI expertise, and a Demo Day to validate technology feasibility.